Exercise Physiology vs Physiotherapy: Understanding Their Unique Roles

We often get two questions: What is an Exercise Physiologist? And how is Exercise Physiology (EP) different to Physiotherapy?

Both Allied Health professions are multifaceted, and it’s not necessarily a straightforward answer, but there are some key differences. Physiotherapy has been around for many more years than Exercise Physiology, however that doesn’t mean Exercise Physiology is any less valuable. Traditionally, Physiotherapists are known for passive therapy such as massage and dry needling. However, physiotherapy is much more nuanced than this and can be practiced in multiple settings such as hospitals, private clinics, workplace rehabilitation and elite sports teams. Physiotherapists are professionals at diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions and looking at the nitty gritty of how your body is functioning. They are very good at looking at the specifics of musculoskeletal injuries and managing them in their acute stages.

Physiotherapy has developed more into using active based approaches to treatment because active approaches have been proven to work best. Exercise
Physiology has always been about active approaches to treatment since its inception, and Exercise Physiologists don’t usually use any passive modalities in their practice. Exercise Physiologists are trained in the physiology of how our bodies respond to exercise and how movement can benefit a wide range of conditions. They are very holistic in their approach and look further into the future to ensure people can maintain an exercise routine to reduce the risk of developing health conditions and to improve quality of life and health outcomes.

EPs are able to prescribe exercise for a wide range of conditions and injuries to help people get back on their feet and live as well as possible. This includes musculoskeletal injuries, persistent pain, Osteoporosis, Diabetes, heart disease and pulmonary conditions, just to name a few.

When it comes to working in the disability space there is a large overlap between the two professions. Here at One Culture we mostly take an active approach to help clients work towards their functional goals. In younger populations it is often to help them improve gross motor skills (e.g. jumping, throwing, kicking etc.) through often game based exercise as well as some general strength and endurance building exercises. In older populations the focus may be more personal goal and function focussed where our therapists can prescribe targeted exercises to address areas of difficulty/weakness and build up coordination and endurance.

Both Physios and EPs often work together to help manage a client’s condition. EPs are great at prescribing exercise to holistically improve the body’s overall functioning, and Physios are great at managing issues that may be more acute or specific. Good EPs and Physios prescribe comprehensive exercise programs that challenge the body enough to make change and adapt. EPs and Physios often refer to one another and can work with you to achieve specific movement and functional goals you may have.

If you’re interested in One Culture’s Allied Health, use the following links for to find out more about our services in SA or NSW.